Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Magician card, which is traditionally a representation of capability, potential, resourcefulness, action, and manifestation. This often translates into themes having to do with being in possession of all of the skills, abilities, and tools necessary to reach one’s goals and accomplish one’s ends. It’s about being capable and skilled, resourceful and gifted with what is needed to get the job done.

The card has then been combined with an affirmation from the deck, which says, “Hopefulness: To feel hope is to acknowledge how little control we so often have.”

For me, having cancer was a lesson in hope. Prior to that experience, I didn’t really consider hope as a part of my emotional vocabulary. In its place was persistence and determination. Even in the face of those things I couldn’t control, it was not hope but persistence, determination, and adaptability that got me through.

Then… cancer. It was something I couldn’t plow through, nor adapt to, nor ignore as I stubbornly continue to do my own thing. It wasn’t something I could solve. In fact, it was a situation where even though I had options, I had very little to no control over the overall result going my way even with choosing the best and most aggressive options available to resolve things.

And there was the hope.

It wasn’t big or flashy. It wasn’t something I reached for or even realized was there for a good portion of the experience. But, it was there all the same, whispering in the background so quietly it was nearly inaudible. Just a barely sensed glimmer in the dark.

Since noticing it and identifying it for what it is? I’ve come to realize that it’s always there, flying under the radar so incognito as to be missed and often remain unseen… and yet, still there all the same.

This experience makes me wonder how many people out there scoff at “hope”, or truly believe they have none… and yet merely haven’t been introduced to that glimmer in a way that allows them to recognize it.

The message in today’s Magician card and emotions prompt asks us to take a little time to get to know that small glimmer of hope within us, and allow yourself to cling to it when there’s nothing else you can do… because no matter how hard we try, some results will never be under our control.

DECK USED:  THE BOOK OF SHADOWS AS BELOW TAROT AND THE BOX OF EMOTIONS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 6 | Entry 8 – Spiritual Development
Affirmation : “I am open to what the Divine wants me to release or make room for.”
Prompt : It is important to remember that your spiritual path is not a destination but a lifelong commitment. You are constantly growing. According to the card you draw, what changes or steps can you take right now to continue growing on your spiritual path to fulfill your sense of purpose?

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

The classic meanings of this card came up for me before anything else when it was pulled. Specifically, success.

My first emotional reaction was then a dose of skepticism as my head said, “I don’t think so”. That is to say that the negative inner narrative shot down my “yes I can!” that the card was communicating and brought me into the realm of pessimism from the start.

Ouch.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

Success isn’t the only classic interpretation of the Sun card, but with the combination of the illustration? That’s exactly where this particular card takes me. More on this below, as I’ll explain how it resonates there.

Suffice to say the “happiness” interpretation also fits, but not in the way I would normally interpret it due to the illustration. Therefore, it really leans into the success side of things instead.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

Right, so the illustration is where everything comes together here. Look at that woman on her unicorn. Naked and riding under a beating sun, emaciated and holding a ribbon like she’s just won a race.

Just how much self punishment, self harm, and misery went into this achievement? Was it really worth it? Her expression could just as easily be saying “thank fuck it’s over” as it might be basking in the glory of the moment.

My prompt response and reflections.

It’s important as I grow that I continually reassess my priorities and values, and ensure that I’m not sacrificing myself and my well-being for achievements or completion.

This is something I’m guilty of on a somewhat regular basis. This card is reminding me that self kindness is a new priority, and one not to be forgotten or ignored in the efforts to accomplish my goals.

Other elements included in this reading:
Green Aventurine D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: THE COMMON THREAD TAROT MAJORS ONLY EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
Prompt for July 5th : Do Spread 1

What needs to be left behind as I focus on further growth?

Seven of Cups – Indecisive musings. Sooner or later you have to get your priorities in order. Waffling and indecision is natural, but if you sit in it too long it just develops into unhealthy stagnation.

What is in full bloom for me right now?

Five of Cups – Languishing isn’t going to get you anywhere. Subdrop is coming your way and about to unfurl like a fetid corpse flower in your gut. Remember that this experience may be unpleasant, but is also an opportunity to deepen your bond with you partner.

Where do I need to direct my focus for further growth?

Eight of Cups Rx – Doing research and book work is still taking action. Don’t sell yourself short in what you are doing in these areas just because they don’t produce the flashy results of physical activities.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE BOOK OF SHADOWS AS BELOW TAROT

I wore a face mask when working on the balcony today to make sure my allergies didn’t deprive me of the ability to breathe.